"I've been to see your father. And he told me he'd never
consent--never! I don't deserve that--and I can't stand it to
lose you. No matter what I've done, God knows I love you,
Polly."

Pauline's face was pale. Her hands, in her lap, were gripping
her little handkerchief.

"You don't say that, too--you don't say `never'?"

She raised her eyes to his and their look thrilled through and
through him. "Yes, John, I say `never'--I'll NEVER give you
up."

All the decent instincts in his nature showed in his handsome
face, in which time had not as yet had the chance clearly to
write character. "No wonder I love you--there never was anybody
so brave and so true as you. But you must help me. I must see
you and talk to you--once in a while, anyhow."

Pauline flushed painfully.

"Not till--they--let me--or I'm older, John. They've always
trusted me and left me free. And I can't deceive them."

He liked this--it was another proof that she was, through and
through, the sort of woman who was worthy to be his wife.

"Well--we'll wait," he said. "And if they won't be fair to
us, why, we'll have a right to do the best we can." He gave her